Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s diverse and wonderful culture could serve as a beautiful model to teach peace to the world, according to the president of NPO World Kids Museum (WKM) based in Tokyo, Japan, Sakura Ijuin.

“In 2022, I visited the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta, Gusti Bendara Pangeran Haryo (GBPH) Prabukusuma taught me that his father, King HamengkuBuwono IX, cherished peace in Indonesia and that the name Yogyakarta means a ‘peaceful city'," she said.

She was convinced that Indonesia's diverse and wonderful culture would be one of the beautiful models to teach peace to the world, she said in a statement received here on Tuesday.

She noted that for over a decade, her museum has provided opportunities for developing friendships and supporting world peace through international cultural and artistic exchanges between Japanese and Indonesian children.

“In 2020, we held a World Kids Carnival that connected children from 15 countries around the world with the hope of building peace through mutually beneficial friendship even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis through art and culture,” she said.

In 2016, the World Kids Museum held s cross-cultural event called “WE ARE ALL ONE” in Bali.

She then expanded the circle to the Philippines, providing an opportunity for children from Japan and Bali to visit the Philippines together to learn about each other's countries and develop friendships.

The museum’s activities are supported by people in various positions around the world who are aiming for peace, she said.

“In 2013, under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we officially provided children with art and cultural exchange opportunities as part of the 40th anniversary of ASEAN friendship and cooperation,” Ijuin said.

She revealed that she is currently the ambassador of Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) Indonesia and seeking to provide opportunities for children to grow through art.

She is also a part of a JFC research project on ancient Indonesian artifacts.

Ijuin said the JFC shares the same passion as her and that is one of the reasons why she has such a strong working relationship with it.

“We appreciate the support and encouragement from the Indonesian people so that our programs can be sustainable. I will also continue to provide opportunities for children to grow and enrich their hearts because we are all one on earth as a family," she added.

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Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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